2011 Stolpman L'Avion

Always one of the top Roussanne blends coming out of California, the 2011 Roussanne L'Avion is no exception and offers up gorgeous pineapple, peach, white flowers, brioche and tinges of minerality in a medium to full-bodied, pure and supple package. Barrel-fermented and aged in new 500-Liter French oak Barrels, it's a beautiful white that will have upwards of a decade or more of longevity (although I see no reason to delay gratification and would lean toward drinking over the coming 2-3 years). Drink now-2021. Under the guidance of Sashi Moorman (of Sandhi Wines and the winemaker here since 2001), this estate has slowly moved toward earlier picking and slightly more fresh, elegant wines. Tel. (805) 688-0400; www.stolpmanvineyards.com